Ford Mondeo ST TDCi vs Octavia vRS

Text: Jack Carfrae / Photos: Pete Gibson

January 2009

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Switching to diesel power to reduce your fuel bills doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance – as the Ford Mondeo ST TDCi and Skoda Octavia vRS TDI 170 prove.

Over the years, Auto Express has heaped praise on both cars in standard guise. And these frugal but punchy top-of-the-range variants offer the same practicality in a much more entertaining package. Adding
to the appeal for second-hand buyers is the fact that depreciation hasn’t been kind to either model. Both have lost a great deal of money since new, so they now represent excellent value.

Fitted with the VW Group’s 168bhp turbodiesel unit, the Octavia is the more potent car, with a healthy 15bhp advantage over the Mondeo. And while its tuned powerplant isn’t as refined and smooth as many modern oil-burning engines, it’s got grunt by the bucketload, which means overtaking is a breeze.

The vRS sits 12mm lower than the standard Octavia, and comes with 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, so the ride is a little on the firm side. But it handles with nimble precision and the steering is responsive. What’s more, the interior provides masses of space. The boot can swallow an enormous 560 litres of luggage, while passengers in the rear have plenty of room.

Although the Skoda costs more to buy, stronger residuals make it a much safer place for your money. Don’t discount the Mondeo, however. It’s just as capable, and the low price tag is very tempting – especially considering it would have set you back £4,625 more than the Octavia new.

The longer wheelbase of the Ford means extra room in the rear, while sporty styling is carried over from the petrol version of the ST – you get 18-inch alloy wheels and a bodykit as standard. Find a post-2005 facelifted model, and it will look even fresher.

The Mondeo has a 230cc advantage in engine capacity, and this translates into more torque: 400Nm from 1,800rpm. The potent oil-burner also helps the Ford strike a great balance between performance and cruising refinement. So although it’s not quite as quick as the Skoda, it makes a better all-round proposition.

And that’s the key. The Ford is great to drive, more spacious and better value than its Czech rival, and so has to be our choice.

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